If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances the tart sweetness of cranberries with savory, juicy meatballs, the Cranberry Meatballs Recipe is destined to become your next go-to favorite. Whether you’re entertaining at a holiday gathering or simply looking for a comforting meal that dazzles with flavor, these meatballs deliver a delightful punch of sweet and tangy with every bite. They’re simple to make yet deeply satisfying, bringing together familiar pantry ingredients in a way that feels special and festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Meatballs Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role, from lending moisture and seasoning to creating that vibrant, glossy sauce that coats the meatballs beautifully. Nothing fancy, just heartfelt flavors coming together effortlessly.
- 1 pound ground beef: The juicy base of our meatballs, providing rich flavor and hearty texture.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them tender and perfectly firm.
- 1 egg: Acts as a glue, holding everything together for a consistent shape.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture, ensuring each meatball stays juicy.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A subtle savoriness that deepens the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a warm, aromatic layer that complements beef wonderfully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick that balances the sweet elements.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Packs umami punch and a slight tanginess into the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning): Helps create that golden crust and locks in flavors during cooking.
- 1 (14-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce: The star ingredient that adds vibrant color and fruity sweetness.
- ¾ cup chili sauce: Lends a mild heat and adds a saucy richness for the coating.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances tartness with a warm molasses note enhancing the cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness with fresh acidity.
How to Make Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Shape the Meat Mixture
Start by gently mixing the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. The key here is to mix until just combined without overworking the meat to keep your meatballs tender and juicy. Next, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, which ensures they cook evenly and fit perfectly on an appetizer tray or over a bed of rice for a main dish.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step isn’t just about color—it seals in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. If you prefer, baking the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes works wonderfully too, giving you a hands-off approach while still delivering great texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
While the meatballs cook, whisk together the canned cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook until the sauce is smooth and bubbling, roughly five minutes, to meld all the flavors into that gorgeous sweet-and-sour glaze.
Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Add the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Let them cook gently on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally so every meatball is evenly coated and fully cooked through. This final step is where the magic happens: the cranberry sauce thickens slightly and infuses the meatballs with its bright, tangy sweetness.
How to Serve Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a vibrant pop of color and a hint of earthiness that cuts through the richness. For a festive touch, sprinkle a few fresh cranberries on top or a little orange zest to complement the citrus notes in the sauce. It’s these little details that turn a simple dish into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Meatballs pair excellently with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, both of which soak up the luscious sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, try serving them with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. The contrast in textures and flavors will keep each bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these meatballs into festive party fare by skewering a few on cocktail sticks, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy. You can also serve them in small ramekins with a dollop of sauce on top or spoon the sauce over a platter of assorted cheeses and crackers for an unexpected holiday appetizer twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days and taste even better as the flavors continue to meld. It’s a handy dish to have ready for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Cranberry Meatballs freeze beautifully. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, making mealtime equally convenient and delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps preserve the sauce’s luscious texture and keeps the meatballs moist. Alternatively, microwave on low power in intervals, stirring in between, so they don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I make cranberry meatballs with ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute in this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe. Just be mindful it may cook faster and be a bit less juicy, so adding a bit more moisture like milk can help keep them tender.
Is the cranberry sauce always jellied, or can I use whole berry sauce?
Using jellied cranberry sauce works best for a smooth, thick glaze that clings nicely to the meatballs. Whole berry cranberry sauce can be used but expect a chunkier texture and slightly different sauce consistency.
How spicy is this Cranberry Meatballs Recipe?
The recipe has a mild heat due to the chili sauce, which balances well with the sweetness of the cranberries. If you prefer more spice, adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce will give it a nice kick without overwhelming the flavors.
Can I prepare these meatballs in advance for a party?
Yes! You can make the meatballs and sauce a day ahead. Simply reheat gently on the day of your event. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining.
What’s the best way to serve cranberry meatballs for a casual dinner?
They’re wonderful served warm over a simple bed of steamed rice or buttered noodles for a comforting weeknight meal. Add a side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables to balance out the plate.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Meatballs Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate with its perfect harmony of savory beef and tangy-sweet cranberry sauce. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or a simple family dinner, it has that special something that makes every bite memorable. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Delicious cranberry meatballs combining savory ground beef with a sweet and tangy cranberry chili sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or a main dish served over rice, these meatballs boast a delightful balance of flavors and a moist, tender texture.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
Sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
- ¾ cup chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Alternatively, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until browned.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and cook until the sauce is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the meatballs to cook through and become fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the warm meatballs as an appetizer or over rice as a satisfying main course.
Notes
- These meatballs make a great party appetizer or can be served over rice for a main dish.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
